Penrith Youth Orchestra
PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE HEART OF WESTERN SYDNEY
Join Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO) and build your ensemble skills in a dynamic and supportive environment led by tutors from the Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO), Penrith Conservatorium of Music.
PYO is designed to complement and extend advanced primary school and secondary school students’ individual musical development. Successful applicants are given the unique opportunity to participate in rehearsals and workshops each term and build towards performances, in which students play alongside professional musicians under the guidance of PSO’s Artistic Director, Dr Paul Terracini. The Penrith Youth Orchestra also occasionally performs in public concerts alongside Penrith Symphony Orchestra.
Applications for PYO Term 1 – PYO Academy 2025, are now open
For more information, contact us at pyo@penrith.city
Key Info
2025 Dates
TERM 1 PYO Academy – with the Australian Chamber Orchestra
Dates: February 28 | March 1 | March 2
TERM 2 – with the Valda Silvy Ensemble
Dates: May 11 | May 18 | May 25
TERM 3 – with the Australian Haydn Ensemble
Dates: August 17 | August 31 | September 7
TERM 4
Dates: November 2 | November 9 | Final Date TBC
How to Apply
Simply fill out the application form here: Apply Now
- No audition is required to join Penrith Youth Orchestra.
- Places are allocated according to performance standard and ensemble experience.
- We welcome all applications, even if students are slightly below the recommended performance standards.
Strings
- Violin: Grade 5 AMEB/Suzuki Book 5 (or equivalent) and above
- Viola: Grade 3 AMEB/Suzuki Book 3 (or equivalent) and above
- Cello: Grade 5 AMEB/Suzuki Book 4 (or equivalent) and above
- Double Bass: Grade 3 AMEB/Suzuki Book 3 (or equivalent) and above
Woodwind, Brass & Percussion
- All Instruments: Grade 4 AMEB (or equivalent) and above
Term Fees
$180 per student, each term.
$160 per student, each term, when enrolling for a full semester (2 terms), $40 saving!
Entry into the PYO is merit-based, not cost-based. Financial assistance is made available for eligible applicants. Please contact us to enquire confidentially or to apply for an equity scholarship.
What Is Included
Each term, PYO students will benefit from:
- Rehearsals with the full youth orchestra
- Sectional tutorials and workshops with professional orchestral mentors
- Expert orchestral mentoring under the baton of Penrith Symphony Orchestra’s Artistic Director, Dr Paul Terracini
- Live performance opportunities
We will provide:
- Sheet music, which will be available at least three weeks before the start of each term’s project
- Chairs and music stands (and percussion instruments) at each rehearsal
Students are expected to:
- Spend time learning their part and studying the repertoire before the first rehearsal
- Practice between PYO rehearsals in effort to meet the standards set by their tutor/s
- Attend all rehearsals and performances each term, unless granted an exemption by PYO staff
